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Little Italy Mercato Farmers' Market: A San Diego Culinary Experience

Experience San Diego's vibrant Little Italy Mercato Farmers' Market: Fresh produce, artisan foods, local crafts, and community spirit abound!

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The Little Italy Mercato Farmers' Market in San Diego is a vibrant, year-round marketplace offering fresh produce, artisan foods, and unique crafts. With a rich history rooted in the city's Italian heritage, the market provides a lively community gathering space and a taste of local culture.

A brief summary to Little Italy Mercato Farmers' Market

  • Wednesday 9:30 am-1:30 pm
  • Saturday 8 am-2 pm

Local tips

  • Arrive early for the best selection and to avoid crowds, especially on Saturdays.
  • Bring small bills if paying with cash, though many vendors accept cards.
  • Check the San Diego Markets website for a current vendor list.
  • Take public transportation or consider parking a few blocks away to save on parking fees.
  • Visit the Welcome Booth to redeem EBT/SNAP benefits and learn about Market Match.
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Getting There

  • Public Transport

    The County Center/Little Italy Trolley Station is one block from the market. From the station, walk west on Date Street to reach the heart of the Mercato. MTS bus and trolley fares are $2.50 per ride. A day pass, offering unlimited rides, is available for $6. Consider purchasing a PRONTO card for easy fare payment and free transfers.

  • Walking

    If you are in downtown San Diego, the Little Italy Mercato is easily accessible by foot. From the waterfront, head north on India Street, the main thoroughfare of Little Italy. Turn left onto Date Street, where the market is located. Walking is free and allows you to explore the neighborhood's charming shops and restaurants.

  • Driving

    If driving, navigate to the intersection of Date Street and India Street in Little Italy. Parking in the immediate vicinity can be challenging, especially on Saturdays. Metered street parking is available, but often limited. Several paid parking lots and garages are located nearby. Parking rates vary, but expect to pay around $15 for 2 hours at a garage. Consider using parking apps like ParkWhiz to find and book parking in advance.

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Discover more about Little Italy Mercato Farmers' Market

The Little Italy Mercato Farmers' Market, located in the heart of San Diego's Little Italy, is a bustling showcase of local agriculture, artisanal foods, and handcrafted goods. Operating year-round, rain or shine, the market has become a beloved tradition for both residents and tourists. With roots dating back to 2008, the Mercato has grown from a small gathering of 40 vendors to San Diego County's largest weekly farmers market, spanning several city blocks. Founded by Catt Fields White, the market was initially conceived as a source of fresh food for the urban neighborhood. Today, it draws an estimated 25,000 visitors each week. Brijet Myers, her daughter, is the current market operator. The Little Italy Mercato is more than just a place to shop; it's a vibrant community hub. The market offers a diverse array of products, including fresh fruits and vegetables, pastured eggs, meat, seafood, bread and pastries, cheeses, sauces, coffee, and specialty treats. In addition to food vendors, the market also features local artists and crafters selling candles, handmade soaps, jewelry, clothing and other unique items. The market's atmosphere is lively and engaging, with live music and a contagious energy. It provides a great picture of the lifestyle the Little Italy neighborhood has to offer. The Little Italy Mercato operates twice weekly: on Saturdays, the market extends six blocks ; on Wednesdays, a smaller market is held. Both markets offer a wide selection of vendors, with some unique to each day. The Mercato also accepts CalFresh/SNAP EBT payments for eligible items.

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